What a loss for all of us in this community. As a subscriber to the Herald from the day we moved to West Seattle, I can say Tim will be truly missed. I look forward to seeing the tribute issue. My heart goes out to Tim's family and friends.

LeeAnne Beres

West Seattle

Tim's passing is a great loss. He was a bright light personally and professionally.

Joe and Karen Blaha

Tim could have made a lot more money by doing something else, or moving to another city and writing for another newspaper, but he really did love living in West Seattle and writing for the West Seattle Herald. He would work seven days a week at times, cover community meetings after normal working hours, step into the editor's position when needed. How many other people dying of cancer would still be working up until the last few days of their life? He worked for congressmen, a governor, a state government, a county government, but his true love was down and dirty journalism, in a small but beautiful part of the world. Tim, you made the world a better place.

Nick Carling

We really appreciated the early on support and reporting that Tim St. Clair and the West Seattle Herald brought to the renewed Statue of Liberty project at Alki Beach. Tim wrote several wonderful articles about our new efforts last summer at a time when we seriously needed the visibility on this project in order to get it going again. Tim was very supportive and, in his way, was determined to see this project through to completion. Thanks to the generous support of the West Seattle Herald, we are pleased that he will be remembered with a brick in his honor in the plaza: "Tim St. Clair, Mr. West Seattle."

Libby Carr

Alki

Tim was an intensely professional, dedicated reporter who turned out one good story after another. His quiet presence at community events meant the story would be told with accuracy and simple humanity. Tim's good natured style, warm smile and disarming approach to interviews helped all of understand our community better. Tim represented much of what is good about West Seattle. He will be surely missed but he leaves us a legacy of stories well told and warm memories of his love of this community.

Steve Daschle

West Seattle

It is difficult to believe you are no longer with us. We were saddened to hear of your illness and prayed that a miracle would pull you through - but that was not to be.

My years at the Herald were made special and memorable because of you, Tim. You never failed to stop by the reception desk and chat with us front desk people as you went out on assignment. If we were having computer problems, you'd try to fix them or find somebody who could. If one of us was having a bad day, you'd listen and have us laughing before you went out the door. You never said anything negative about anyone. You were always interested in me and my family and never failed to inquire about the perils and joys of raising five sons!

Even though I haven't worked at the Herald for 12 years, you are the one I will always remember the most; you are the one who united us if there was office "bickering" going on; you were the one with intelligence and the curiosity to do any kind of a story and get it right. You were truly "Mr. West Seattle Herald!"

Marty and I will never forget you, Tim. You are in God's hands, now. May he take good care of you.

Ann Dirks

Tim was the greatest. I was standing beside him at a Memorial Day ceremony at Forest Lawn, as a trumpet player played the National Anthem. While listening he noticed my head jerk as I reacted to the performance. He looked at me knowing something was up. I pointed out the trumpet player had left out a phrase and was playing the bridge. He thought about it for a moment and realized what I was saying. When his article came out the next week, he made a comment about the trumpet player playing an "interesting rendition" of the Star Spangled Banner. It was a comment that would mean virtually nothing to his readers, but it was as if he knew I would be reading it. It certainly brought a smile to my face.

Jim Edwards

West Seattle

It is a huge blow for the West Seattle community to lose Tim. St. Clair.

Tim began at the Herald the very week that was my last, in September 1988 (I started at the Herald in 1982). Mike Robinson quick hired Tim to plug a big hole left by three resignations (including mine) on our five-member news staff that occurred within a week. There wasn't any one trigger for all three of us to leave (I was resigning to go back to school to get a teaching certificate), but I think it was a bit of a golden era that was coming to an end.

Tim jumped in right away, and Dan Portman was hired soon thereafter as editor. Little did anyone know in 1988 how much of a stalwart Tim would be. It's obvious that Tim has been the paper's - and community's - backbone for the past 19-plus years. He has kept the "news" in the term "newspaper," and his contributions to keeping West Seattle and White Center informed, and thereby also recording its history, are on the level of the Herald's legendary forebears, Rupert Hamilton and Clyde Dunn.

Tim's unpretentiousness, humor and heart were key leavening agents for his nose for news, and for a community paper to have someone of his caliber and integrity for 19 years is a rare thing indeed. Last spring, Tim was the first journalist to interview me about my new biography of the late singer/songwriter Steve Goodman. His fine article (a rare feature story for Tim) appeared May 9, 2007.

During the interview, I expressed what I think is the overarching theme of the book - mortality. Unwittingly, I asked Tim, and he quoted me, "What are you going to do before you die? What are we all going to do?" I did not find out until several weeks later that Tim had been diagnosed with inoperable cancer. But when I had asked Tim the question, he smiled and with his typical half-laugh said, "Just keep on doing what I'm doing." He had no plan other than to soldier onward in community journalism, which he did right up to the end.

I had to cancel a dinner appointment with Tim last week, on Feb. 20, when I turned up ill with a winter cold. "That's OK," he told me by phone. "I'm not feeling all that great today, either." But his last, hopeful words were, "We'll set it up again, and we'll have a better time when you're feeling better."

I was not one of Tim's closest friends, but I was one of his most avid readers. Though he was modest to a fault and was not one to wear his emotions on his sleeve, I do feel confident that he knew how highly he was regarded by the community he served so well.

That's something in which to take comfort.

Clay Eals

We just learned today of Tim St. Clair's passing and wanted to extend our sincere sympathy. Tim was an amazing reporter and someone I will truly miss working with during the election season. Tim was one of the most inquisitive reporters I've worked with in my six years working in elections. He came to our office downtown and studied precinct results for an hour! Few reporters do that level of analysis anymore and we were always happy to see him. You are in our thoughts.

Bobbie Egan

King County Elections

We at the West Seattle Rotary Club want to express our condolences to all of the staff and family of the Robinson Group, upon hearing of the news of Tim's passing. We were just talking about him last night at a meeting. He will surely be missed in this community. It's certainly like we as a community have also lost one of our family members. With deepest regards.

John Enger

Past President

Rotary Club of West Seattle

With the passing of this individual, a void has been created that will never be duplicated. As a friend of "Timba" for the last 40-plus years, I would like to thank all of his friends for being there for him in his time of need. They are too numerous to individualize, but they know Tim is smiling on them. They had the privilege of making his last days on earth tolerable. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!

A fellow Tooele Raider

Larry L. Gordon

I didn't know Tim too well. What I did know that he had a great smile and a light-hearted way about him and very friendly - nice even in his last months. I remember he seemed kind of journalistically sassy to me when he gave me gin a couple Christmas parties ago. I wish I could remember the last story he told me, something about someone running over him on a bike and how it made him just laugh.

Lauren Grosskopf

I am so sorry that Tim St. Clair passed away today. You lost a very talented man! I will miss him and his articles. I thought of him as Mr. West Seattle, and I so enjoyed reading what he had to say! I wonder if he realized that he touched lives as far away as Wild Horse Plains, Montana.

Whenever I received the newspaper in the mail, I would look to see what Tim was up to. He helped me see your city through his eyes. He was a very special man and a gifted reporter. I will miss him!

Carolyn M. Harris

Wild Horse Plains, Mont.

I am stunned and shocked to hear that Tim has passed. I worked with him for many years at the newspaper and while our paths have not crossed for several years he has forever left a memorable and cherished footprint that made a difference. You are truly missed.

Lisa Hillman

I had the privilege of working with Tim St. Clair for most of my 20 years at the West Seattle Herald. He was a professional, hardworking reporter and a very dear friend to so many people. Tim loved his job so much that he passed, three times, on a promotion to editor. He told me he did not want to jeopardize his position as the West Seattle Herald reporter because he was happy and content.

I will forever remember working with Tim. But even more I will remember skiing, camping and hiking with him and listening to he and Bob debate politics and religion for hours.

In 1988, Tim helped me set up a kite-flying wedding proposal at Boeing headquarters parking lot. He was there when I asked my girlfriend to marry me.

When I moved to Indiana three years ago Tim missed my going away party. He sent me a post card wishing me well. He said, "I have a hunch this is going to turn out to be a good thing." I still have that card.

I am a better person having known Tim. I watched him touch so many people with his honesty and integrity. He taught me the importance of conviction and professionalism. I don't think I have ever met a better person than Tim in my life.

West Seattle lost a very good man. We all lost a very good friend.

Roger Hollings

Former General Manager

I'm Dexter and I'm 12 years old. Tim was my godfather. He was a really great godfather. He took me to see trains at Qwest field, took me on a big sail boat. We also went camping. He seemed really brave when he was sick. I'll always remember him and I'll always love him.

Dexter Kopas

I had never met Tim until I attended the Robinson Newspapers holiday party and spoke to him applauding him for his great reporting. He was gracious and warm in accepting praise. It is so sad to lose someone of his caliber. I have personally said that when I die I want people to know that I lived. We all know that Tim lived and we have benefited greatly.

Georgie Kunkel

Tim has been a long-time friend of my family (I'm Bill Riley's daughter). I have many fond memories of trips to visit Seattle and how excited he was to show it off. We had so many great times there and to this day Seattle has a special place with me because of Tim. He will truly be missed as a friend, reporter and all around awesome human being.

Amanda Laughren

When I heard Tim had cancer earlier this year, I immediately went to visit him at the West Seattle Herald office. He was not in but I did have the opportunity to talk and reflect with one of his co-workers about this professional work as a journalist. We shared his qualities, his objective reporting, his love for his job and his ability to always have a smile on his face regardless of the grave condition he was in. This smile appeared as Tim walked through the door after finishing his errands.

After exchanging hugs and presenting Tim with a collector's item fire department coffee mug, I told him how much the fire district and community appreciated his professional reporting. I also told him how much I appreciated him as a person. Tim was genuine in every sense of the word and it was easy to see and feel this as you dialogued with him.

There have been many issues facing our community through the years and Tim always painted a true and objective picture. He also had the keen ability to write great human interest stories and always giving 100 percent in this endeavor and I believe this is where he truly shined.

It is always difficult to say goodbye to anyone, let alone a person who has made a tremendous impact on our communities. Through his well crafted words, he was the link that informed and tied those of us who could not be at every meeting and event together. After reading his stories, it was as if we were there, he was a true artist with words.

I know losing Tim is extremely painful to the Herald, his family and close friends, but thanks to all of you for sharing him with all of us and thanks for being there up until the end. You should be very proud of him and the impact he made on all of us and the legacy that you will now carry on in his honor.

Scott A. LaVielle

Fire Chief

North Highline Fire District

Whenever Tim's byline appeared, I bought a paper, to seek his deep understanding of how the latest viaduct, bus, or monorail news affected my neighborhood. He always had a smile while working insane hours. Any night I bumped into Tim on the beat was a good night.

Mike Lindblom

staff writer

Seattle Times

Today I am lonely. I feel I should be with all of you who knew and loved Tim, celebrating his life. Instead I am far away in Missouri, imagining what a final tribute to Mr. West Seattle must be like. Since I couldn't be there I decided do my own remembering and celebrating at the same time that you all were gathering in his memory.

I have thumbed through the pages of books by my favorite author, Wallace Stegner, to whom I was introduced by Tim St. Clair. I have listened over and over to the opening of "Honky Tonk Women" by the Rolling Stones, which Tim declared without hesitation is the greatest guitar lick in Rock and Roll history. By the way, you may also want to take a listen to "I Heard It Through The Grapevine." Not by Marvin Gaye, but rather the nearly 10 minute jam version by Creedence Clearwater Revival, a Tim St. Clair favorite as one of the greatest rock songs ever.

Tim, my dear friend, caught me at a formative time in my life. I had grown up in a small Midwest town and had somehow ended up in the Northwest. Seattle opened to me like a wonderland, transforming me to the very core of by being. Tim, when I arrived at the Herald/News as a rookie journalist, whether he wanted to or not, became my guide, teacher and example as I moved into a second adulthood, attempting to toss aside many of my more provincial ways of thinking. From Tim's words and from his actions, I learned about diversity, peace, justice, civics, environmental responsibility, and compassion. If I have become a more progressive thinking, more peaceful, more compassionate, more responsible person I owe a great deal of credit to Tim. Being the kind of person I strive to be, "like Tim," is hard, ongoing work, and from here on out it will be even harder.

A little story I might have told if I'd been at the Alki Bathhouse:

Tim passed onto me, as his father passed onto him, a respect and historical understanding of the labor movement in our country. Years later, in a management position, I fought, in the face of some resistance, to implement a more progressive benefit plan for our employees. On the day I succeeded, the first person I called was Tim. It was the proudest moment of my career and I wanted to share it with the man who had inspired it. I only wish I had thought to call Tim's father to thank him as well. But to hear that Tim was proud of what I had accomplished made it even sweeter.

When I heard of Tim's diagnosis, I immediately left for Seattle to see him. My mother is a hospice nurse and I knew what pancreatic cancer meant. On that trip, Tim and I had very good time together, alone and among friends. I spent a night at Tim's house sharing deeply personal conversation that I will always treasure.

But my last day with Tim, the last time I would be with him, was absolutely perfect. He asked me if I wanted to edit the West Seattle Herald and White Center News with him. As we had all those years ago, markers in hand, side by side, we pored over the pages together. I had the extra joy of knowing that I had helped the always overworked Tim St. Clair get off work early that day. The two of us went out for a couple of beers afterward. When it came for me to leave, I finally was able, despite the deep pain of impending loss in my chest, to do what I had ultimately flown 2,000 miles to do. I told Tim I loved him. He told me the same with a smile on his face. As I drove away, I wept with a mixture of joy and grief. That day will always be one of the most important days of my life.

Dan Madden

Former Herald reporter

Having known Tim since elementary school it never surprised me the big bite he has always taken out of life. His time as a student with so many close friends in Tooele, Utah, to his University of Utah days, to his speech writing for congressman Wayne Owens and Governor Scott Matheson of Utah, then settling into his profession in Seattle. I wished I could hear that Tarzan yell one more time.

Bud Manchester

Tim has been a good friend of mine since the seventh grade. We have kept in touch with each other and the core group of friends from Tooele, his hometown in Utah. We got the pleasure of seeing him last weekend as a group. Talking, laughing and exchanging stories of yesteryear. Tim was a great man. A man of integrity, honor and truth. He wrote with that in every article published. He will be missed by many.

Michael Mansanarez

I knew of Tim St. Clair as a newspaper reporter, as the reporter for the West Seattle Herald, long before I met him.

Truth to tell you, I wasn't impressed with his copy. He had a habit, which went against the grain of what I had been taught since my first journalism classes with Mr. Hartinger at Madison Junior High.

Tim could start sentences, paragraphs even, with the word "there," as in "There was a fire at new construction at California and Genesee last night." In English grammar, it's called the empty subject. In these sentences, "there" is a pronoun with no antecedent. I had been taught, hounded even, to use the active voice, transitive verbs, few if any adjectives, and to start sentences with real subjects: "Fire consumed new construction at California and Genesee last night."

I used to read the West Seattle Herald when I lived with my folks in our house at 46th and Lander, behind Lafayette. Since moving back to West Seattle in 2000, I read the Herald occasionally, mostly in vending boxes. Once, on the front page, above the fold, I caught three "there was's" in one of Tim's articles.

"Heck," I thought. "I can write better than that."

But mostly I just thought about it, doing armchair editing, reading Heralds through vending box windows, while waiting for the bus to take me to other work.

In the last eight months, I have finally written a few stories, freelancing them to Jack Mayne. My by-line appeared next to Tim's. While reporting, however, I learned Tim put in decades of groundwork behind his articles.

More than once, I'd call someone for an interview, and the first reply was "I thought Tim was covering this story."

Pete Spalding, chair of the Delridge Neighborhoods District Council, chided me in our first interview for asking dumb questions:

"Go talk to Tim St. Clair," he said. "He comes to all our meetings. He knows what's going on."

Tim's beat was West Seattle. He seemed to know everyone here on our peninsula, and they all knew and liked him.

In appreciation of his years of reporting, Libby and Paul Carr donated a brick for Tim, to be placed in the new plaza at the Alki Statue of Liberty. It will be engraved "Mr. West Seattle."

Jack finally introduced me to Tim a month or so ago, the one time that he and I were in the Herald's office at the same time. We made light conversation about background for an article I was working on. He looked good that day, but he had already been missing work, staying home exhausted from chemo.

The only real conversation I ever had with Tim was over the phone, after he reported on the open house meeting for the viaduct two weeks ago. I have been following the story about the viaduct stakeholders advisory committee for the Herald and the Ballard News-Tribune, but that Tuesday night I had already planned to be at a school science fair with my son.

Tim had left a rambling message on my phone the night after the meeting, about having trouble getting to the meeting, writing a draft of the article, wanting to send it to me, not having my e-mail address, and wondering if I was able fetch it off the Herald's I-drive.

I called him back, expecting to talk to his wife, a partner, someone who would answer the phone after he had gone to bed. Tim answered his phone.

For him, getting to the meeting that evening was a comedy of errors.

"I had remembered that the meeting was happening locally," he told me, "but didn't think I needed to write it down. I got it in my head it was happening at the high school."

He said he wandered around the halls for a while, then figured it was nearby and walked over to Hiawatha to see if it was there. People there looked it up on-line and found it at Cooper Elementary. Tim got in his car and drove to Delridge, to the old Cooper School, the present Youngstown Cultural Arts Center.

"Damn, and I found a good parking spot too," he said.

From there he was told to go up hill to the new Cooper School. Tim caught the last ten minutes of a two-hour meeting. He did stay after to copy hand-written comments from six flip charts standing around the cafeteria.

"I put together what I could," Tim told me. "But there's only so much I could get. I'll send it to you. You have lots more background than I do. Take it and add whatever you like. Change anything you want.

"I don't have a lot more energy to put into this thing."

I edited his article. I corrected the name of one of the agencies running the meeting, I clarified the meaning of titles on the top of the flip charts. I tightened some of his sentences.

I took out one "there was...."

But it was Tim's article, and he got it written by deadline.

Matthew G. Miller

West Seattle

It is sometimes difficult to fully assess someone's impact on a community - but not so difficult when the impact has been visible every day and in every home. We've all waited for the delivery of the Herald in hopes of seeing Tim St Clair's name - the name we relied on as the reporter for West Seattle. Tim's passion for West Seattle was immeasurable and the business community has prospered via his good work. The sadness we all feel at Tim's passing is evidence of a life well lived and a life of service.

I will personally miss his knowing smile and sharp wit, the tenacity only available to a seasoned news reporter, his clarity of purpose, and his insight into the importance of building community.

The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce offers most heartfelt condolences to Tim's family.

Patricia Mullen

Executive Director

West Seattle

Chamber of Commerce

"Charlotte's Web" ends something like this: "It's not often when you meet someone who's a good friend and a good writer too." That description fits Tim St. Clair perfectly.

I was not as close to Tim as some in the Robinson Newspapers group - he worked in West Seattle and I in Burien. Our paths didn't cross that much nor did we often have occasion to talk. But when we did, there was a mutual respect and camaraderie. Just knowing him, even casually, was a pleasure.

From time to time, Tim would submit stories he had written for the West Seattle Herald to the Highline Times because of overlapping circulation areas. They were so well written that, without exception, the only editing I ever had to do was tailor his West Seattle stories to fit the Highline area's perspective. A year ago, curiosity got the better of Tim. He wanted to know why I am a conservative. Our schedules almost meshed a couple of times, but not quite.

Then Tim had to put me on hold - he thought he probably had a stomach ulcer. But in late spring, he told me it was stage four pancreatic cancer, which would claim his life (last) week. Tim never complained about the diagnosis to me. I offered some encouraging words - a couple of stories about long-term cancer survivors who at one point had been told they were running out of time - and promised him that he would be in my thoughts and prayers daily.

Later he shared with me what a high school friend of his had said: if 98 percent of people diagnosed with this form and stage of cancer die, it means that 2 percent still survive - so be one of the 2 percent. That became his objective, and the last time I saw him just over two weeks ago, he still talked in positive terms about being a "2 percenter" despite the fact that he now looked frail.

Four weeks before his death, Tim and I finally got together in a West Seattle pub for that oft-postponed discussion of why I am a conservative. But just like a reporter, he kept peppering me with other questions, and I never did explain fully my political philosophy. We agreed to get together soon and continue our exchange, but time ran out for Tim.

This morning, word came of William F. Buckley Jr.'s death. I couldn't help wonder if Mr. Buckley soon would discuss much more eloquently with Tim what I had hoped to say the next time.

May peace be with you, Tim, in the life that is to come.

Ralph Nichols

Highline Times

I just learned that Tim St. Clair passed away yesterday. Please accept my condolences. You have lost a terrific reporter and West Seattle has lost a good friend.

When I learned that Tim was sick a few months ago, I was in the Admiral Junction running some errands for my dad's estate at the BECU and WAMU. I noticed that while the Herald office was not yet open that Tim was inside at his desk. (I had seen him a couple of nights earlier at a concert in Hiawatha Playfield but did not know he was sick.) I poked my head in to let him know Sharon and I were pulling for him. I told him that my late father had colon cancer in 1980 and wasn't supposed to make it - but had survived long enough - 27 years - to see the births of 15 grandchildren. Tim was, as always, gracious and upbeat.

I am thankful for the chance to have known him, Tim will be missed.

Greg Nickels

Mayor of Seattle

Tim wasn't just a reporter, he was a West Seattle institution.

I don't think there was anybody who knew more about the myriad of things big and small going on in our community, or anybody who knew better than Tim in how they all fit together.

I saw him last at our Gatewood Democratic Caucus earlier this month, and despite his weakness he was glowing with enthusiasm over the historical politics of the nomination process. I asked him if he was going to participate and Tim, true to form, told me that he couldn't in order to maintain his objectivity, and wandered off smiling to cover the event.

That is how I want to remember him, so full of life even when he was so close to the end of it. To thousands of us who reached for the Herald every week and always looked for Tim's articles first, we have lost a family member.

Vlad Oustimovitch

I've known Tim since he first worked for the West Seattle Herald almost 20 years ago. Tim came to our Southwest District Council meetings. He came to our last meeting on Feb. 6 - the members of the district council wanted him to know how much he was appreciated by presenting him with a plaque.

Tim was people oriented - he cared about them. He was unassuming, respectful and was glad to help you if he could. He was dedicated to reporting the news and his articles showed that. I will miss him greatly.

When I saw him on Feb. 6, I wanted to cry - he reminded me of how my son looked, and who died of liver cancer.

Ann Owchar

My brother-in-law and Tim's brother Monte St. Clair passed away 15 years ago and I got to know Tim. I really like him. I know that his brother Monte was waiting with open loving arms for him.

I heard Tim had been sick and had thought about him many times I wish I could have came up to see him. Maybe in the next life we can become great friends. My heart goes out to him and his loving family.

Mitch Pierce

Salt Lake City

Tim was a very thoughtful person and is deeply loved by his nieces and nephews, two of them are my grandchildren Scott and Allysha St Clair. I was so sorry to hear that his life was so short. He had a lot to offer and unfortunately sometimes they are the ones that God chooses because he has a great mission for them. Good luck to you Tim. I'm sure Monte and your mother are so excited at this time.

Berva Pierce

I was shocked to learn of Tim's death today. It's hard to imagine such goodness leaving us.

When I came to the West Seattle Herald as editor in 1989, Tim was brand new at the paper himself. Our newsroom was a tiny band of fresh faces eager to put out the best paper we could for a community we all truly loved. Tim was always a smart, cheerful, dedicated rock among us. Enthusiastic, calm, hard-working and with a great sense of humor: his presence was a gift. I'm honored to have known and worked with him.

His passing is a great loss to the world at large; such decent people are too few and far between.

Rest and peace to you, Tim. You are truly, deeply missed.

Dan Portman

Tim was a great reporter with a great sense of what is important to the people of West Seattle. His sense of humor made it a pleasure to work with him over the past 10 years.

We at Seattle Parks and Recreation appreciated his coverage of our programs, events, and issues, and we will miss him a lot.

Dewey Potter

Communications Manager

Seattle Parks and Recreation

I'm so sorry that Tim's time on this earth was short. He left many many good words behind, and reported on his community with accuracy and integrity. I saw Tim at an event just after his diagnosis, which he explained to me with the precision he was known for. I saw him again last week at Thriftway. It was about 3 in the afternoon, and he noted that he tended to tire easily, and was signing off for the day. He said that he had pains in his legs and tired quickly, but other than that, he was feeling quite OK. It's a testament to his endurance and positive attitude that he was able to work right up until the end, contributing to his community with humility and grace. I will miss him.

Jackie Ramels

To Tim St. Clair's Family and Friends:

Tim was an amazing reporter. I often saw him at community meetings morning, noon and night and on weekends sitting quietly in the back of a room taking notes. I deeply respected the quality of his work and his commitment to meeting the highest standards of his profession. Please accept my condolences.

Tom Rasmussen

Seattle City Council

Tim St. Clair was an essential element of West Seattle. I remember moving here and getting my phone and cable hooked up and calling for a subscription to the Herald. I read the first issue and ran into Tim at a town hall meeting downtown on the Monorail. Since I attended so many of the meetings he covered for so many years I was able to see how journalism can be practiced and was impressed and in many ways awed by Tim's clarity of writing and the incisive manner he brought to many a community controversy. As a fellow journalist I had and will have nothing but the highest regard for his ethic and honesty. He not only did the journalism profession proud, he did the Herald and Robinson News proud and - as a fellow West Seattleite - he made me proud I lived in this part of town. He's part of our history now and that's as fitting a tribute as anything I could imagine.

Chas Redmond

This is such a huge loss for the newspaper, the community and everyone who personally knew Tim.

I didn't see him on a day-to-day basis during my time at the sister paper, (Ballard News-Tribune,) but he was always an absolute joy to work with and talk to. To this day I can't recall anyone I've worked with who is as committed, as funny and as graceful a writer. My condolences go out to the Robinson News family as well as Tim's friends and loved ones. He was a great guy.

Adam Richter

Tim was a great friend. He was also the most honorable person I have known. There are few journalists left of his caliber. I have read countless articles of his in your paper, and all I ever got were facts and a complete understanding of the stories. After finishing an article, the reader was informed, but could never tell if Tim had a slant to a story he was covering. He firmly believed that was the way it should be. I remember him telling me he was covering a heated town meeting on public transportation, and several of the people knew him well enough to ask him what he thought. He smiled, raised his hands, and said "I'm on duty, so I get to say no opinion." Journalism was his calling, and he certainly did the field proud. The West Seattle Herald was lucky to have been represented by a man of his stature and talent. Here's to Mr. West Seattle.

Bill Riley

Very sorry to hear about St. Clair. He was a great guy. You said classical community journalist, and that was dead on. He was dedicated - but never, ever in a mean way.

He was the perfect sort to have on a staff where young people roll through so quickly: Warm, mature, humble, professional. When I got to West Seattle, knowing nothing, he was the one who showed me this was serious business. It wasn't that he said anything - he just got things done, and made you feel you could do no less. (Dan Portman also did a fine job - don't mean to leave him out.)

Tim was not a gotcha type. He wasn't trying to take down the man, but he was principled. He was a good journalist. He could write. He won awards. (The tally ought to be checked. He's probably the most decorated reporter in the history of the company.)

He would by god cover the utility district meeting about a mysterious Fauntleroy stench, and type it up like it mattered. Naturally we'd taunt him about it - he'd laugh at every joke and keep on typing. He was low-key and witty. He and Portman and I drank a few beers at the Alki.

Sean Robinson

Tim St Clair was the consummate reporter. I called him the Saint or Mr. West Seattle because wherever I went readers often told me, "We love the Herald at our house and really appreciate your writer Tim St Clair."

Tim was a proficient journeyman journalist. Always good-natured, quietly going about his trade with steadfast dedication to his profession.

Everyone on the staff respected this dependable craftsman and he served his chosen community well.

The Robinson newspaper family held great affection for the Saint and he will most assuredly be missed.

Jerry and Elsbeth Robinson and family

It is with sadness and regret that we note the passing of longtime Herald reporter Tim St. Clair. He was a staunch supporter and defender of all those things which benefited the West Seattle community. One of the last things he wrote can aptly be found on the interpretive panels at the new totem pole at the Belvidere View Point. To those who knew him and appreciated his work, he will be sorely missed.

Dennis Ross

Al Rousseau

Admiral Community Council

I had the honor and privilege to work with Tim at the Herald for five years. I was the staff photographer. Tim was a dedicated meticulous, thorough reporter. He put his all into his work right up to the end. He was sincere and could always be counted on. Tim was a pillar in West Seattle, a huge void has been left behind. He will be difficult, most-likely impossible to replace. Tim was a great friend and I will miss him greatly.

Bruce Savadow

I was afraid to write anything about my late friend and colleague Tim St. Clair because I know the words I put down here will be preserved in history but were never spoken to him by me.

I was afraid that whatever I could possibly say would never do justice to the kind, patient, caring and thoughtful man he was.

In many ways, he approached his cancer in the same way he would a news story. He had the facts, and he had to accept them. To me, he was remarkable in that way. Tim always sought to see the other side of the story and find logic there.

He held the kind of strength that I can only hope for and the sort of grace that really just cannot be matched. When others might fall apart, Tim stood tall and never lost his sense of humor or his genuine smile.

Instead of leaving his daily life behind, Tim chose normalcy, up until the last few weeks of his life, still coming to the office and attending meetings, covering stories. He needed that, I think, to feel a sense of comfort from his grief.

I came to the Herald at age 24, knowing essentially nothing about journalism. Much of what I have learned has been from his impeccable examples. Because of his experience and intelligence, he could put things into a perspective I had not yet been able to see.

Tim put more effort and care into each piece of journalism he produced than one might deem necessary, but it only spoke to his dedication to quality and fairness. It showed in his work and the respect he garnered from the community in his 20 years of reporting on the most important West Seattle issues.

I will always remember our conversations and shared frustrations and joys over our demanding, yet rewarding jobs as reporters. I can be happy knowing that Tim left us still doing what he loved to do.

He's been called an asset to the community and a dedicated journalist and while he was that and so much more, the Herald staff and the West Seattle community has truly lost a treasured friend in Tim St. Clair.

Rebekah Schilperoort

I really admired Tim for his work ethic. When ever we had conversations about issues in the community, he was very good and letting me know the other side of the story, which I didn't always agree with, but it made me think - which is good.

Dick Sherman

I am so sorry that Tim St. Clair has passed.

He was such a great part of our community. My favorite memories of Tim is when there were several of the private non-profit agencies, and a local Little City Hall, whose director will remain nameless, would at the notice of a phone call would all meet at the Keg at Westwood Village. The one that called the meeting was usually the one we would always have the first narration of their day, week - or whatever it took. The rest would give support, laugh, or just be there for that person. We would end up the 'meeting' with everyone in a much better space, ready to go to work the next day and take on the challenges.

I will treasure those memories.

Karen Sisson

Senior Center

West Seattle

I didn't know Tim well, only as a professional acquaintance, but we both started working at Robinson Newspapers in the late 1980s. I was always impressed with Tim's professionalism and love for both community journalism and the West Seattle community. Over the years, we bumped into each other occasionally, generally at journalism conferences. Tim was always winning this award or that award, and he was always enthusiastic about his craft, friendly and kind. The world has lost a dedicated journalist and a great human being.

Rob Smith

Tim, you will be missed by your many friends in the West Seattle Community. You could always be counted on to be there in that chair in the back of the room quietly taking your notes. You could always be counted on to make that one last phone call to make sure that you had covered all of the angles of that story that you were working on. You could always be counted on to make sure that you had the facts right. You could always be counted on to make sure that both sides of the story were explored. But most of all you could always be counted on to have a smile on your face. RIP Tim St. Clair.

Pete Spalding

My Uncle Tim was the most brilliant person I've ever known. He always made you think. After stating a point of view that you were sure you felt strongly about, he would have another point of view that made you open your mind and at least explore it (if not completely change your mind). He always stressed on reading. Every Christmas and birthday, it never failed. A book with a letter about what's going on in his life, always signed "love Tim." I always thought he should have kids, he is so much fun!

I remember one time when I was 9, (now 27) we went to Seattle to see Tim, and when we left I started to cry because I was going to miss him so much!! I pretty much feel the same way now.

Allysha St. Clair

It is hard to find the words to express how much I loved Tim and the impact he has had on my life. He was a supportive and dedicated brother-in-law and uncle and a great friend. His integrity was and is inspiring. The world is a better place because of your presence on this Earth, Tim. We will miss you.

Diane St. Clair

I am the son of the late Monte St. Clair, Tim's brother. Tim was the best uncle I could have ever hoped for. When my dad passed away all those years back, Tim stepped in and treated me like he would his own son even if from a distance. Unfortunately, I only saw him once every couple years or so, but he would often send me long handwritten letters telling me how proud he was of me. He always took such an interest in my life and made extra effort to visit whenever he could. He was probably the most selfless and compassionate guy I ever knew. He worked so hard and made so little money but he had a passion for reporting and he followed his heart.

It was a shock to hear of his passing because I had been reading his articles right up until the end. That's how dedicated he was to his career. One of my greatest regrets is not being able to see him one more time. Had I known last week he would be gone this soon, I would have been there in a second. He was greatly loved and he will live on in my heart always. I am glad to see there are so many others who appreciated him as much as I did.

Lukas St. Clair

Tim was my uncle and he was a huge inspiration to me. I admired his unmaterialistic lifestyle, choosing to do his dream and always having what he believed in leading him. I'm the son of Monte and truly happy that Tim is in a much better place and they're together again. Tim thank you for always being there for me and being a big part of what showed me how to be a great uncle. We'll all be together again and I love knowing that. Come say hello whenever and I love you forever.

Scott St. Clair

Tim and I met in 1992. He hadn't worked at the Herald very long, and served as both reporter and photographer. As he interviewed me, I was immediately taken by his friendly smile, seemingly genuine interest (which I found out over time was quite authentic), and our common interest in politics. I was impressed that he had worked for Democrats in Utah - now that's dedication, I thought! Tim was so good-natured, easy to talk with, and level-headed about issues and people. I am truly saddened by the news of his passing.

Irene Stewart

I am so saddened by the news of Tim's death. I met Tim in the seventh grade and was a part of his core group of friends all through high school. We were from a small town in Utah and were all very close to one another. Tim was always so special because of his quick wit and humor. He was truly a good person and one who I was proud to call a friend. I will miss him terribly.

Karen Thomas-Marcus

It's been hard for me to write something here about Tim. I have known and worked alongside Tim for the entire time he's been here at the West Seattle Herald. We discussed everything from politics, philosophy to religion. On many topics, we came from the opposite sides of the political spectrum. And we could have some pretty heated "discussions." One thing I learned pretty fast was that if you had a "discussion" with Tim, you better well know what you were talking about and have your facts and figures straight. Many times, I'd find an article on my desk with some points highlighted to emphasize his side of the argument and I'd do the same to him. On that rare occasion when Tim would agree with me, I felt pretty damn good. He was a very intelligent, talented and stubborn sparring partner.

Although I had a hard time admitting it to Tim, he had an impact and even changed some of my ideas, attitudes, and opinions - and I'm a better person for that.

He was one of the nicest people I have ever met. He was sincere, honest, hard-working, unselfish and so genuinely kind. He loved his job - writing for the West Seattle Herald. And he was a craftsman artist. He was so careful to get his facts straight and information accurate. He was just here last Wednesday working working at his desk. He did what he loved to the very end of this life.

It is so hard walking by his empty desk. He will be greatly missed.

Bob Tornow

I've never known a better person than Tim St. Clair. He was my friend for 30 years and will always be one of the people I admire most on this earth. No one has more integrity and outright honesty than Tim. He was what every journalist should be (I'm having a hard time with past tense). We both worked for Utah State Government back in early 80's, starting our careers as public relations officers. Tim could only do it for a few years because he felt like he was selling his soul. He was a true journalist at heart and never really trusted the government. It is because of Tim and people like him that we have as good a government as we do. West Seattle was so lucky to have him. The West Seattle Herald was a better newspaper because he was there. I'm sure he could have made more money and a name for himself somewhere else, but he didn't care about that. He cared about the people he loved and about honest journalism. He lived simply and meaningfully. You talk about a man with a soul. I'm honored to have known him.

Gary Whitney

I first met Tim when we both covered Vice President Al Gore in 1998 when he spoke at the Port of Seattle facilities below West Seattle. As my association with Robinson Newsapapers grew, I developed the utmost respect for Tim both as am journalist and as a human being. His professionalism, sense of humor and willingness to always help me with a writing or reporting question will be missed. In my 20 plus years in the community newspaper field, he was the best.

Dean Wong

I first knew Tim professionally in 1989, and had the pleasure of working with him at the Herald for two years in the mid-1990s. Tim was a consummate professional who was completely dedicated to his job, profession, and the West Seattle community. If anything needed to be done, from editing a late story to answering a customer's complaint about their subscription, Tim would do it. No task was too insignificant.

One memory that stands out about Tim is how he would always park his car on a side-street hill near the old Herald office on 35th and Alaska, even when it was pouring. He was adamant that space in front of the building should be reserved for customers.

Turnover at community newspapers is very high. Just as most reporters and editors are really beginning to know the community, they leave for another job. West Seattle is fortunate to have been blessed with a compassionate reporter who spent the time to know his territory like the back of his hand.

I believe he loves West Seattle as much as his native Utah. He will be missed.

Adam Worcester